Childhood; A time for laughter and joy and a person’s first taste of schooling. I cannot imagine that anyone will forget their first day of school; The feeling of being separated from your parents and the moment you meet the other children and your teacher always leave a strong memory. You start a journey at this point. Where the journey goes is up to the individual. Of course, a good teacher and a good school system does not hurt either. I have been blessed with amazing teachers and a positive environment for most of my early schooling. I would not trade anything to replace those precious first years.
Elementary school was such a new experience for me. Sure I went to kindergarten and preschool, but they only did so much that could prepare me for this. I got out of the car that first day of school with my older brother, hoping he would stay by my side and help me. My mother drove away and he turned to me and told me to not bother him while at school. Disheartened, I walked aimlessly around until I found my new class; my new home away from home. From there everything changed. I was still a shy girl, but I had a drive, a fire that burned quietly. I wanted to do better than my brother. I wanted to show him and my parents that this little sister could match up to her big brother. I went through school with a need to succeed. I learned with a passion. My teachers saw this in me and pushed me along to bigger and better things. My parents were proud of me. They did not have to push me. They did not believe in that anyway; they believed a child should find their own path not be forced to walk a predetermined course.
Middle school is another experience entirely. I went into it with no friends in my classes. I felt left behind and an outcast. The only thing that kept me sane was my love of learning. I continued to strive for good grades to appease myself. My parents continued to support me while watching me struggle to get back some social grasp on school. It’s only half the battle if you have the drive to learn. The social aspect of school can make or break a person. Luckily, I found friends, including my current best friend. They really helped me find a meaning in life besides school. With their help, a little determination and a dash of bravery I was able to break free of my own chains. I was more open to speaking publicly; I was able to voice opinions. I could contribute now. No longer did I just sit and solely absorb information. The ability to make connections blossomed as well. A new world of learning opened its gates to me; a world I had been missing out on.
School in the early years is always a challenge for people; I can attest to that fact. Between meeting new people and learning in a completely new environment it was tough. Having the right drive, that personal fire, helps tremendously. Besides that, great friends and teachers can push a person to succeed. The system is nowhere near perfect but an individual can make it through with the right early environment and support system. I had those and I would never trade them for anything; they are what got me to where I am today.
Childhood; A time for laughter and joy and a person’s first taste of schooling. I cannot imagine that anyone will forget their first day of school; The feeling of being separated from your parents and the moment you meet the other children and your teacher always leave a strong memory. You start a journey at this point. Where the journey goes is up to the individual. Of course, a good teacher and a good school system does not hurt either. I have been blessed with amazing teachers and a positive environment for most of my early schooling. I would not trade anything to replace those precious first years.
Elementary school was such a new experience for me. Sure I went to kindergarten and preschool, but they only did so much that could prepare me for this. I got out of the car that first day of school with my older brother, hoping he would stay by my side and help me. My mother drove away and he turned to me and told me to not bother him while at school. Disheartened, I walked aimlessly around until I found my new class; my new home away from home. From there everything changed. I was still a shy girl, but I had a drive, a fire that burned quietly. I wanted to do better than my brother. I wanted to show him and my parents that this little sister could match up to her big brother. I went through school with a need to succeed. I learned with a passion. My teachers saw this in me and pushed me along to bigger and better things. My parents were proud of me. They did not have to push me. They did not believe in that anyway; they believed a child should find their own path not be forced to walk a predetermined course.
Middle school is another experience entirely. I went into it with no friends in my classes. I felt left behind and an outcast. The only thing that kept me sane was my love of learning. I continued to strive for good grades to appease myself. My parents continued to support me while watching me struggle to get back some social grasp on school. It’s only half the battle if you have the drive to learn. The social aspect of school can make or break a person. Luckily, I found friends, including my current best friend. They really helped me find a meaning in life besides school. With their help, a little determination and a dash of bravery I was able to break free of my own chains. I was more open to speaking publicly; I was able to voice opinions. I could contribute now. No longer did I just sit and solely absorb information. The ability to make connections blossomed as well. A new world of learning opened its gates to me; a world I had been missing out on.
School in the early years is always a challenge for people; I can attest to that fact. Between meeting new people and learning in a completely new environment it was tough. Having the right drive, that personal fire, helps tremendously. Besides that, great friends and teachers can push a person to succeed. The system is nowhere near perfect but an individual can make it through with the right early environment and support system. I had those and I would never trade them for anything; they are what got me to where I am today.